MRG FOUNDATION
Tony Funchess
Inspire people to work together for justice and mobilize resources for Oregon communities as they build collective power to change the world
In this new millennium, MRG Foundation plays a critical role in supporting Oregon’s progressive movement and funding emerging issues.
OUR VISION
We seek to create a world where we…
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Immediate Past Executive Director, Sharon Gary-Smith
"If we are going to achieve our vision we need everyone to be involved" |
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that everyone plays a role in creating and sustaining this world. By building community, living our values, and working together towards this vision, we participate in the creation of justice and inspire hope for the future.
HOW WE DO OUR WORK
MRG Foundation’s grantmaking has been led by Grantmaking Committees comprised of individuals directly involved in developing genuine solutions to the difficult issues facing their communities; community organizers and changemakers who are rooted in the communities we serve, who come from all parts of the state, and who reflect the rich diversity of Oregon. Leslie and Charles recognized that the most strategic way to allocate their resources was to use the wisdom of people in the community. And MRG is guided by the same philosophy to this day.
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WHY MRG?
MRG is Oregon's leading social justice funder! Started on the banks of the Mackenzie River in Eugene, Oregon in 1976, this organization has had a clear vision about their role in advancing social justice through philanthropy! I was drawn to this organization due to it's executive leadership and the significant role they have played in the grassroots organizing community statewide. When I check the grants archive, I repeatedly find organizations that I recognize, support, and believe are instrumental in serving their communities. To know that it was through the help of MRG that some of these organizations even exist, are are still meeting the needs of their communities is impressive! Check it out for yourself and see!
LEADING THE CONVERSATION
It takes all of us despite our differences! Whether our focus is the environment, or immigration, or any other social ill, it requires us all coming together seeing our commonality and finding ways to join efforts to ensure a better quality of life for us all! I am grateful for the opportunities to continue statewide, intersectional equity and justice work, which is at the heart of MRG Foundation. Together we look beyond urban centers or the loudest voices in the room, to hear from those impacted no matter their location or challenge. This work is collaborative, transformative, rewarding and never-ending.
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MRG Foundation is excited to award $225,000 to 17 groups across Oregon to continue to build and grow the social justice movement. Inspired by the events that took place in Malhuer County this January and understanding the limited resources available to individuals and groups organizing in rural communities, we made a consecrated effort during this cycle to conduct outreach and to fund groups located in and doing work in rural communities. Thanks to these efforts, along with an increase in organizing work and quality applications, 41% of the groups funded this cycle are located and do work in rural communities.
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MRG Foundation Office:
1235 SE Morrison Street, Suite A Portland, Oregon 97214 503-289-1517 [email protected] |